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|Subcutaneous defibrillation electrodes
|Dahl et al.
|Braid Electrode leads and catheters and methods for using the same
This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 07/533,886, filed on Jun. 6, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,348.
an elongate, electrically conductive lead having a proximal end region and a distal end region; and
an electrode including a plurality of compliant, electrically conductive electrode segments, each of said segments having a nominal width and a length exceeding the nominal width, said electrode segments having respective and opposite first and second ends and being coupled to the distal end region of the lead for substantially simultaneous reception of tissue stimulating electrical pulses from a pulse generating means at the proximal end region of the lead, said electrode segments being arranged in spaced apart and side-by-side relation such that each of the electrode segments, over most of its length, is spaced apart from each one of the other electrode segments by a distance of at least 1.5 cm, each of the electrode segments being free of electrically insulative material at and along its periphery substantially over its entire length to provide a continuous exposed reactive surface over substantially the entire length and periphery of the electrode segment, said electrode segments when receiving the tissue stimulating pulses cooperating to define an effective electrode area incorporating all of the electrode segments;
electrically conductive means at the respective second ends of the electrode segments for reducing current density.
each of the electrode segments is uniform in sections as taken perpendicular to said length.
said means at the respective second ends include one of the following:
respective electrically conductive loops, respective electrically conductive tab enlargements, and respective electrically conductive bodies, each body being secured to its respective one of the second ends.
The present invention relates to field of electrical defibrillation, including cardioversion, and more particularly to the structure for an electrode used in implantable defibrillation systems The term "defibrillation" as used herein, includes cardioversion which is another technique involving relatively high energy delivery, as compared to pacing, as well as other aspects of defibrillation therapy such as the monitoring of cardiac electrical activity (sensing) when not delivering high energy impulses.
Defibrillation is a technique employed to counter arrhythmic heart conditions including some tachycardias, flutter and fibrillation in the atria and/or ventricles. Typically, electrodes are employed to stimulate the heart with electrical impulses or shocks, of a magnitude substantially greater than pulses used in cardiac pacing. One defibrillation approach involves placing electrically conductive paddle electrodes against the chest of the patient. During cardiac surgery, such paddles can be placed directly against the heart to apply the necessary electrical energy.
More recent defibrillation systems include body implantable electrodes. Such electrodes can be in the form of patches applied directly to epicardial tissue, or at the distal end regions of intravascular catheters, inserted into a selected cardiac chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,705 (Speicher et al), for example, discloses an intravascular catheter with multiple electrodes, employed either alone or in combination with an epicardial patch electrode. Compliant epicardial defibrillator electrodes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,900 (Moore).
Epicardial electrodes are considered the most efficient, in the sense that less energy is required for defibrillation as compared to either chest contact paddles or intravascular catheter electrodes. However epicardial electrode implantation is highly invasive, major surgery, since it is necessary to enter the chest cavity, which typically involves spreading of adjacent ribs or splitting of the sternum. This procedure presents a risk of infection. Further, implantation and attachment place physical constraints upon the nature of electrode. These electrodes must be either quite small, or extremely compliant and resistant to fatigue, as they maintain conformal fit to the contracting heart.
Generally, larger defibrillation electrodes are considered more desirable, since they reduce the impedance at or near the electrode. Sensing artifacts also are reduced for larger electrodes. However, larger electrodes are difficult to attach to the epicardium, as they must conform to the heart during the contractions associated with normal cardiac activity. Subcutaneous electrodes are more easily implanted, at less risk to the patient. In a defibrillation electrode or any other implanted device, however, increasing the size generally increases discomfort and surgical risk to the patient.
Increasing the size of a defibrillation electrode affects its electrical performance. Conventional electrodes are subject to "edge effects" arising from the non-uniform distribution of electrical energy when the electrode receives the pulse. In particular, current densities are greater at the edges of the electrode than at interior regions Of the electrode. An attempt to counter the edge effect is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,707 (Heilman et al). A series of circular openings, through an insulative layer framing a conductive screen are said to substantially eliminate the edge effect by the additional exposure of the screen. Another problem encountered in larger electrodes is the resistance across the length (largest linear dimension) of the electrode, leading to unwanted voltage gradients across the electrode which can degrade electrode performance.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an implantable defibrillation electrode with a large effective surface area to lower the impedance at or near the electrode, without causing undue patient discomfort.
Another object is to provide a defibrillation electrode that has a large effective area, yet is easier to implant and readily conforms to the contours of its implant location.
A further object is to provide a defibrillation electrode structure enabling a relatively large size while reducing the non-uniform field distribution associated with conventional electrodes.
Yet another object is to provide defibrillation electrodes of sufficient size and effectiveness to enable transthoracic delivery of defibrillation pulses, with an implanted system.
To achieve these and other objects, there is provided a body implantable tissue stimulating electrode. The electrode includes a plurality of flexible, electrically conductive electrode segments having a nominal width and a length at least five times the nominal width. A means is provided for mechanically coupling the electrode segments with respect to one another whereby each of the segments, over the majority of its length, is spaced apart from each one of the other segments by a distance of at least 1.5 cm. A means is provided for electrically coupling the electrode segments for substantially simultaneous reception of the tissue stimulating electrical pulses from a pulse generating means. Consequently the electrode segments, when receiving the tissue stimulating pulses, cooperate to define an effective electrode area incorporating the electrode segments and having a width of at least 1.5 cm.
In one preferred configuration, the electrode segments are linear and in parallel spaced apart relation, all extending in a longitudinal direction. The mechanical and electrical coupling means can be a transversely extended distal portion of an elongate, electrically conductive lead. The lead is connected to each of the respective first end portions of the electrode segments along its distal region, and connected at its proximal end to a pulse generating means. Preferably an electrically insulative layer covers the lead, leaving the electrode segments exposed, to define a substantially rectangular "phantom" area or effective electrode area.
Alternatively, the electrode segments can radiate outwardly from a common junction, typically at the distal end of the lead or conductive coupling wire from the pulse generating means. While the coupling wire is covered with an insulative material over the majority of its length, a distal end portion of the coupling wire can be left exposed, to provide one of the electrode segments.
Yet another approach involves a single electrically conductive wire or path, with portions of the path providing the spaced apart segments. As an example, the path can be arranged in a serpentine configuration in which segments are parallel to and aligned with one another, side by side. Alternatively, the conductive path is formed as a spiral. In either event, adjacent segments are spaced apart from one another a distance substantially greater than their width, preferably by an order of magnitude or more.
In a preferred example, elongate electrode segments about 30 cm long and with a nominal width of 0.5 mm extend longitudinally, aligned with one another and spaced apart from one another by about 3 cm. One end of each electrode segment is mounted to the distal end portion of a conductive lead to a pulse generator. At the opposite, free end of each segment is an enlargement such as a loop or flared end, formed to minimize local high current densities due to the previously described edge effects. The combination of a large phantom area with multiple conductive segments reduces non-uniform current distributions.
The best results are achieved with highly conductive electrode segments. Accordingly, the segments are preferably formed of low resistance composite conductors including drawn braised strands (DBS), drawn filled tubes (DFT) and the like, coated with platinum or another metal from the platinum group, e.g. iridium, ruthenium or palladium, or alternatively with an alloy of one of these metals. The strands can be formed of titanium or platinum. A suitable filled tubular conductor is composed of a silver core within a stainless steel tube. The electrode segments can be formed of single wires, pluralities of wires in a braided or twisted configuration, helically wound coils, or a woven mesh or screen. In some embodiments, particularly those employing the woven screen, it is further desirable to include an insulative backing to more positively position the electrode segments with respect to one another.
It has been found that highly conductive electrode segments reduce any voltage gradient across the electrode, with the separate segments simultaneously receiving a defibrillation or other stimulation pulse. The separate segments thus cooperate to act as a single "patch" electrode, having an effective surface area equal to that of a rectangle or other polygon containing all of the segments. As an example, an electrode formed as a row of five parallel electrode segments spaced apart from one another by 3 cm, each segment being 10 cm long, would have a rectangular phantom or effective area slightly larger than 120 (twelve times ten) square cm. Yet, as compared to a continuous rectangular patch electrode measuring ten by twelve cm, the branched segment electrode in accordance with the present invention is easier to implant, reduces the high current density regions, and more easily conforms to the thorax or other surface to which it is attached. In fact, branched arrangements of segments can provide effective defibrillation electrode areas in the range of from 100 to 200 square cm, while enabling easy implantation.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a process for applying defibrillation pulses to a human heart, including the following steps:
(a) implanting a first compliant electrode in a patient, proximate the pleural cavity and the rib cage, and on a first side of the thoracic region of the body;
(b) implanting a second compliant electrode in the body, proximate the pleural cavity, and the rib cage, and on a second side of the thoracic region opposite the first side, with at least a portion of the heart between the first and second electrodes;
(c) implanting a defibrillation pulse generator; and
(d) electrically coupling the first and second electrodes to a defibrillation pulse generator and providing defibrillation pulses from the pulse generator across the first and second electrodes.
If desired, one or more electrodes implanted proximate the pleural cavity and rib cage can be used in combination with one or more coil electrodes mounted on an intravascular catheter, preferably positioned in the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart, with the distal end of the catheter near the apex of the right ventricle.
As compared to the entry into the chest cavity normally associated with implanting epicardial electrodes, transthoracic placement of subcutaneous electrodes as outlined above is substantially less invasive, preserves the integrity of the rib cage and the pleural cavity, and reduces risk of infection.
Nonetheless, other implant locations, including direct attachment to epicardial tissue, can be employed in accordance with the present invention, to achieve relatively large effective electrode areas while maintaining patient comfort with substantially more uniform distribution current density.
For a further understanding of the above and other features and advantages, reference is made to the detailed description and to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a defibrillation electrode constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3--3 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment electrode constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 5-9 illustrate alternative constructions for electrode segments of the electrodes;
FIG. 10 is plan view of another alternative embodiment electrode constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate further alternative configurations of the electrode of FIG. 9;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment electrode;
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate a further embodiment electrode;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment electrode;
FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the electrical field between a continuous patch electrode and an electrode having segments, but in which the segments are too close to one another;
FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of the electrical field between two electrodes constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a plot of intraelectrode impedance as a function of the spacing between adjacent segments of each of the electrodes, for electrodes with from two to four segments; and
FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 diagrammatically illustrate alternative implantation approaches for defibrillation systems incorporating electrodes embodying the present invention.
Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a defibrillation electrode 16 including three parallel and spaced apart electrode segments 18, 20 and 22. Each of the segments has a length (L in the figure) substantially longer than its width (W), e.g. 30 cm long with a nominal width preferably about 0.5 mm. Generally, the width should be within the range of from 0.25-5 mm. Adjacent segments are spaced apart a distance (D) substantially greater than the nominal width, e.g. 3 cm. This center-to-center spacing should be at least 1.5 cm, and preferably does not exceed 30 cm.
Electrode segments 18, 20 and 22 are fixed at respective first ends to a distal end portion 24 of an electrically conductive lead 26. The lead conducts electrical pulses to the electrode segments from a pulse generator (not shown) coupled to the proximal end of the lead. Lead 26 at the distal end structurally supports the longitudinally extended electrode segments in the transversely spaced apart configuration shown.
The electrically conductive portion of lead 26 is surrounded by an electrically insulative cover or sheath 28, preferably constructed of a body compatible polymer, e.g. a medical grade silicone rubber or polyurethane. As seen in FIG. 2, the lead includes a composite conductor formed of a core 30 of silver surrounded by a tube 32 of stainless steel. This type of composite conductor is known as drawn field tube (DFT) of MP35N (brandname) alloy available from FWM Research Products of Fort Wayne, Ind. Further, a coating 34 of platinum is applied over the stainless steel, preferably by sputtering or other deposition process. While preferably platinum, coating 34 also can consist of another metal from the platinum group (e.g. iridium, ruthenium and palladium) or an alloy of these metals. Insulative sheath 28 is contiguous with and surrounds the platinum layer.
As seen in FIG. 3, the construction of electrode segment 22 (and likewise segments 18 and 20) over substantially all of its length is substantially similar to the construction of the conductive portion of lead 26. Thus the segments also are highly electrically conductive., Platinum coating 34 provides a further advantage for the segments, which are not covered by the insulative sheath. In particular, the platinum coating when applied by vapor deposition provides a microtexture which substantially increases the reactive surface area of the electrode segments, to reduce near field impedance of the electrode (the term "near field" impedance refers to the voltage losses associated with the electrode due to chemical and field effects). For a further discussion of this feature, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,313, and assigned to the assignee of the present application. The reduced interface impedance increases the ratio of bulk impedance to the total system impedance as measured between the stimulating electrode and the indifferent or signal return electrode. Thus, more of the voltage drop occurs across tissue, where it is useful for causing the desired stimulation, with proportionately less of the voltage drop occurring at the electrodes where it is non-productive. This enables a reduction in overall potential or pulse duration, in either event reducing the required energy for defibrillation.
Given adequate separation between segments 20, 22 and 24, the current distribution is made more uniform. To further counter any current density differentials due to edge effects at the ends of segments 20, 22 and 24, loops 36, 38 and 40 are formed at these ends, respectively. Alternatively, the ends can be flared or otherwise enlarged, and remain substantially free of undesirable concentrations of high current. Such enlargements also facilitate implant, as they tend to positionally fix the electrode segments.
Because the electrode segments are electrically common, the electrodes receive and transmit defibrillation pulses simultaneously. The electrode segments are sufficiently near one another to function in concert, providing an effective area or phantom area incorporating the segments, as indicated in broken lines at 42. In other words, electrode segments 20, 22 and 24 define a generally rectangular effective area, with substantially greater compliance to contours and movements of body tissue, as compared to a continuous patch electrode. In addition, the spacing between electrodes performs an important electrical function by producing a substantially more uniform current distribution than that of a continuous patch electrode. Patch electrodes are known to have regions of very high current density around their outside edges, and regions of low current density at their centers. By using a segmented electrode, with segments properly spaced apart from one another, much higher currents can be delivered to the central region of the effective or phantom area because current is able to flow between adjacent segments. This results in a more uniform electrical field across the heart.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment defibrillation electrode 44 including five elongate electrode segments 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54, each with a preferred width and substantially greater preferred length as described in connection with electrode 16. Each of electrode segments 46-54 is part of a wire mesh pattern 55 and extends longitudinally. Transversely extended end portions 56 and 57 of the pattern couple the segments to a lead 58. An insulative sheath 62 surrounds lead 58 from electrode 44 to the proximal end of the lead. An electrically insulative backing 64 supports mesh pattern 55. The mesh pattern is covered by an insulative layer 66. Slots 68, 70, 72 and 74 are formed in backing 64 and layer 66 between adjacent electrode segments.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative form of composite conductor known as DBS drawn braised stranded, available from FWM Research Products, Fort Wayne, Ind. As shown, a silver core 73 is surrounded by six stainless steel wires 75. The structure is heated and drawn to braise all wires together. The results is a solid, continuous composite conductor composed of a silver core and a stainless steel outer shell or tube.
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative construction for the electrode segments of either electrode 16 or electrode 44, involving a plurality of composite conductors 76 in a twisted configuration. Each of the conductors can include a silver core within a stainless steel tube coated with platinum as previously described. Alternative composite conductors for single and multiple wire arrangements include platinum or titanium ribbon or wire, clad with platinum. The twisted construction enhances flexibility and resistance to fatigue in the electrode segments. Other alternatives include braided or knitted wires.
FIG. 7 shows another alternative construction for the electrode segments, in the form of a woven mesh or screen 78 on an electrically insulative backing 80. This type of electrode segment construction is particularly well suited for epicardial positioning, e.g. with electrode 44 in FIG. 4.
Another alternative segment construction, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, involves a flexible, electrically insulative cylindrical core 82 of polyurethane, medical grade silicone rubber, or other suitable body compatible material. Core 82 is surrounded by an electrically conductive coil winding 84, preferably a wire or composite cable such as illustrated in FIG. 2. The helically wound coil conductor provides the greatest flexibility and fatigue resistance of any of the arrangements discussed, and for this reason is preferred in the case of direct epicardial attachment, or any other implant location in which the lead segments are subject to continued or repeated muscular contraction or other abrupt tissue movements. A disadvantage, relative to other embodiments, is that a helical coil electrode segment, as compared to other segments of equal length, involves a substantially longer conductive path with less tensile strength.
All of the alternative constructions provide electrode segments which are highly compliant, first in the sense that they readily adjust to the contours of body tissue at the implant site when they are implanted, and secondly over the long term, in continually conforming to the tissue during muscular contractions and other tissue movement.
FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment defibrillation electrode 86 including electrode segments 88, 90 and 92 formed as branches, radiating or extended outwardly from a common junction and stress relief area 94. Junction 94 is positioned at the distal tip region of a lead 96 to a pulse generator (not shown), and includes a conductive portion surrounded by an insulative sheath 98. The conductive region of the lead and the electrode segments can be constructed as previously described.
The stress relief portion of the electrode is electrically insulative and covers portions of the segments, leaving exposed portions of the segments spaced apart from one another and defining an effective or phantom area 100 shown by the broken line. As before, segments 88-92 have a nominal width preferably about 0.5 mm, and are longer than they are wide, for example by at least a factor of five. At the free ends of the segments are respective masses or bodies 102, 104 and 106. The bodies are constructed of an electrically conductive, plastically deformable material such as platinum or gold and, as seen in FIG. 10, include slots 108 slightly wider than the thickness of segments 88-92. Each body is applied to the free end of its respective electrode segment by inserting the free end within the respective slot and pinching the body to frictionally secure the body to the electrode segment. Bodies 102-106 thus provide enlargements at the free ends of the segments to reduce the chance for high current densities at the free ends, and provide a means of fixation of the free ends.
FIGS. 11-13 schematically illustrate alternative configurations for electrode 86. More particularly, FIG. 11 illustrates a clamp 110 for electrically and mechanically coupling two intersecting cables 112 and 114. Cable 112 is part of lead 96, with a distal portion of the lead providing center segment 90. Electrode segments 88 and 92 are opposite portions of cable 114. An extension 116 of electrically insulative sheath 98 covers clamp 110 and portions of cables 112 and 114, leaving the segments exposed.
In FIG. 12, segments 88, 90 and 92 extend radially from a crimping member 118 at the distal end of lead 96. Alternatively, segment 90 is the distal end of the lead, in which case the remainder of the lead, crimping member 118 and portions of the electrode segments are provided with an insulative covering 119.
In FIG. 13, crimping member 118 secures electrode segments 88, 90 and 92 to the distal section 120 of lead 96. Insulative sheath 98 leaves distal section 120 exposed, so that it functions as a fourth electrode segment.
FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment defibrillation electrode 122 including a lead 124 having a distal end 126 formed in a curved, serpentine configuration. An insulative sheath 128 covers the lead and leaves the distal region exposed. Further insulation covers curved portions of the electrode at 130, 132 and 134, thus to define four parallel segments or length-portions 136, 138, 140 and 142 aligned with one another and side by side.
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 disclose alternative serpentine electrode configurations including an electrode 144 with a wire mesh or screen 146 on an electrically insulative backing 148. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a conductive path 150 including parallel electrode segments 152, 154, 156 and 158. The distal end of segment 158 is enlarged at 160 to counteract edge effect current densities.
In FIG. 17, an electrode 162 includes a serpentine conductive path 164 formed between a pair of generally rectangular electrically insulative layers 166 and 167. A serpentine opening in layer 166 exposes part of a wire mesh layer 168. Slits in the patches at 170, 172 and 174 allow the patch to conform to the site of implant. Selected parts of the conductive path can be covered with insulation if desired, to leave just parallel segments exposed.
FIG. 18 discloses yet another embodiment defibrillation electrode 176 in which a single conductive path 178 at the distal end of a lead 180 is formed into a spiral. The path can be a coated composite cable or a wire mesh or screen as previously described, with a similar nominal width in the radial direction. The pitch of the spiral, i.e. radial spacing (D) between adjacent arcs in the spiral, is preferably about 3 cm. Thus the effective electrode area encompasses the outermost arc of the spiral, as indicated by the broken line at 182. The spiral includes at least two complete turns or length-portions as shown, with each turn forming an arcuate electrode segment to provide respective radially inward and outward segments 184 and 186.
Regardless of the particular embodiment, electrodes constructed in accordance with the present invention provide a substantially larger effective or phantom area than previously practical for implantable defibrillation electrodes. One reason for this is the spacing between adjacent electrode segments, resulting in more compliant electrodes, both in the sense of matching contours in body tissue, and "dynamically" in responding to muscular contractions and other sudden or rapid tissue movement, with virtually no risk of fatigue. Another feature permitting the large size is the highly conductive electrode segments and lead distal end or other feature electrically coupling the electrode segments. This ensures an acceptably low voltage gradient across even relatively large electrodes.
As previously noted, a large but segmented electrode structure results in a substantially more uniform current distribution, as compared to conventional continuous patch electrodes. FIG. 19 schematically illustrates electrical current flow, in broken lines, between a continuous patch electrode 187 and an electrode composed of parallel, spaced apart wires or segments 189. Adjacent segments 189 are quite close to one another, e.g. spaced apart from one anther a distance of about 5 mm. Because of the low impedance between adjacent segments 189, there is virtually no potential difference between these segments and intervening tissue. Most of the current flow is along the end segments 189, and very little occurs near the intermediate segments or between segments. Consequently, the electrode formed of segments 189, much like electrode 187, exhibits a non-uniform current distribution, with very high current density at the outside edges and low current density along the medial region.
In FIG. 20, the electrical current flow; and between two electrodes with respective segments 191 and 193 exhibits a substantially uniform current density across each electrode. Again the current flow is shown in broken lines, and illustrates the importance of sufficient spacing between adjacent electrode segments. More particularly, the segments of electrodes 191 and 193 are spaced apart from one another a sufficient distance for intervening tissue to provide substantial electrical impedance between adjacent electrode segments. Thus, each of segments 191 and 193, including the intermediate segments, responds to the opposite one of the electrode pair, permitting current densities, over the central regions of these electrodes, substantially equal to the current densities at their edges.
FIG. 21 shows the relationship between the spacing between coils or adjacent and parallel electrode segments, and impedance, for groups of two, three and four segments as shown at 195, 197 and 199, respectively. In all cases the impedance is highest when adjacent segments are closest together. In all cases, increasing the spacing from 1 cm to the preferred 3 cm reduces impedance, and the cases show some further improvement as spacing is increased beyond 3 cm. For any selected spacing, the four segment electrode exhibits the lowest impedance, which is not surprising in view of the fact that larger electrodes generally exhibit lower impedance.
Thus, it has been found that electrode performance is substantially improved, in terms of reduced impedance as well as uniformity of the electrical field, when the spacing between adjacent segments is at least 1.5 cm. The upper limit of spacing is less strict, and subject to physical (size and patient comfort) constraints rather than electrical performance constraints. Within these limits, the optimum spacing depends upon the materials employed and the intended location of implant. Generally, however, a spacing of 3 cm between adjacent electrode segments has been found satisfactory.
FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an implanted defibrillation system including spaced apart electrodes 188 and 190, for example similar to electrode 16. The defibrillation system further includes a pulse generator 192, and leads 194 and 196 connecting the pulse generator to electrodes 188 and 190, respectively. Both of the electrodes are subcutaneous and outside of the rib cage, in the thoracic region. The electrodes are on opposite sides of the heart 198. More particularly, electrode 188 is positioned to the left of, and anterior with respect to, the heart. Electrode 190 is posterior with respect to the heart, and to the right of the heart. Such transthoracic application of defibrillation pulses requires electrodes having a large surface area, achieved in accordance with the present invention by the spaced apart electrode segments of each electrode. Pulse generator 192 is also mounted anterior and to the left of heart 198, below electrode 188. The pulse generator can incorporate circuitry for sensing cardiac electrical activity, in which case electrodes 188 and 190 are used in sensing such activity as well as delivering defibrillation pulses.
FIG. 23 discloses a defibrillation system in which an electrode 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention is coupled to a defibrillation pulse generator 202 by a lead 204. Another electrode 206, also constructed according to the present invention, is applied directly to epicardial tissue. Electrode 200 is positioned inside of rib cage 207, and can be within the pleural cavity if desired. Stimulation occurs across the heart, with electrode 200 to the left of the heart and electrode 206 at the right ventricle.
FIG. 24 shows a defibrillation electrode system including an electrode 208 positioned anterior of and to the left of the heart 210, as in FIG. 22. A second electrode 212 is provided as a coil, near the distal end of an intravascular catheter 214 in the right atrium and terminating at the apex of the right ventricle.
Regardless of the location of implant, electrodes, constructed in accordance with the present invention provide relatively large (in the range of 100-300 square cm) effective areas, yet readily conform to contours and contractions or other movement of body tissue. The narrow electrode segments are provided with end loops or other enlargements to counteract high current densities due to edge effects and to provide fixation. The present lead configurations further allow a subcutaneous implantation outside of the rib cage, with effective defibrillation energy production due to large virtual sizes based on the phantom areas incorporating the electrode segments.


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This Climate Fix Might Be Decades Ahead Of Its Time
By Mark Goldberg On June 27, 2013 · Leave a Comment · In Climate, Energy, National Public Radio, Science
Every year, people add 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the air, mostly by burning fossil fuels. That's contributing to climate change. A few scientists have been dreaming about ways to pull some of that CO2 out of the air, but face stiff skepticism and major hurdles. This is the story of one scientist who's pressing ahead.
Peter Eisenberger is a distinguished professor of earth and environmental sciences at Columbia University. Earlier in his career, he ran the university's famed Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, and founded Columbia's Earth Institute. He was never one of those scientists who tinkered into the night on inventions. But he realized he didn't need to be.
"If you looked at knowledge as a commodity, we had generated this enormous amount of knowledge and we hadn't even begun to think of the many ways we could apply it," Eisenberger says. He decided he'd settle on a problem he wanted to solve, and then dive into the pool of knowledge for existing technologies that could help him.
He started looking for a way to pull carbon dioxide right out of the air. "And it turned out the best device already exists," he says. "It's called a monolith. That is the same type of instrument that's in the catalytic converter in your car. It cleans up your exhaust."
Eisenberg's monoliths grab carbon dioxide from the air, and release it again when you heat them up.
He teamed up with a colleague at Columbia, Graciela Chichilnisky, and formed a company to develop the idea. Global Thermostat got seed money from Edgar Bronfman, Jr. — CEO of Warner Music Group and the former CEO of Seagram's, his family's business.
The company has built two pilot plants in Menlo Park, Calif. But of course there are big issues to solve: what do you do with the carbon dioxide once you've captured it, and how do you make money?
"So we then we looked for ways to monetize CO2, and found that lots of people wanted to use CO2 as a feedstock to make a valuable product," Eisenberger says.
Growers pipe carbon dioxide into greenhouses. Oil companies pump it underground to help them squeeze out more oil. Soda companies use it to put bubbles in their drinks. These are mostly small-scale applications.
Maybe someday Eisenberg could get paid to clean up the atmosphere by sucking out the CO2 and burying it underground, though there's no market for that now.
But using carbon dioxide to make fuel could someday be big. So Eisenberger's first project involves using CO2 to feed algae that churn out biofuel.
"Our first demonstration plant is being erected right now down in Daphne, Alabama, with an algae company called Algae Systems, which sits on Mobile Bay," Eisenberger says. "They'll be floating their algae in plastic bags on the top of the water. We'll be piping in CO2 that we pull out of the air, and the sun will do the rest."
Of course, this one project will have zero effect on how much carbon dioxide is in the earth's atmosphere. But Eisenberger has much grander ambitions.
"I believe we have something that's economically viable, so our company will be successful," he says. "But I'm really in this because I want to contribute to a long term solution that the world needs."
Eisenberger says if he can open the door to capturing carbon dioxide from the air — and make the process cheap enough — someday we could actually slow down, or possibly even reverse, the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Robert Socolow at Princeton University started hearing a buzz about this technology a few years back.
"It's catchy," Socolow admits. "It's attractive conceptually that one could basically pour carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for the next several decades, and pull it out later and everything would be fine." But the appeal of the idea also worried him – people might use the mere prospect of this technology as an excuse not to act.
So Socolow spearheaded a critique of the technique, on behalf of the American Physical Society.
Socolow's panel concluded that the technology would be hopelessly expensive, costing $600 for every ton of carbon dioxide it drew out of the air. And the scale would also be huge. In order to capture the emissions would waft into the air from a single coal-fired power plant, you'd need to build a structure 20 miles long and 30 feet high. "It's like the Great Wall of China," Socolow says.
The committee concluded that it would make a lot more sense to cut down on emissions first — make our cars, homes and factories more efficient. Panel members also said it makes much more sense to capture carbon dioxide directly from smokestacks, where it's concentrated, instead of from the air.
Socolow says, maybe someday we'll have our emissions under control, and then we might need to remove some of the carbon dioxide that's already in the air, with a capture technology. But, in his view, that's a long way away. "I locate it in the 22nd century," he says. In other words, this might be a good project for Eisenberger's great-great-great grandchildren.
Researchers currently working on carbon dioxide capture technologies say the American Physical Society critique has made it much harder for them to raise money. Klaus Lackner, at Columbia University says he was turned down for a government grant. David Keith, at Harvard and the University of Calgary, says he struggled to get funding for his small company.
"It's a very powerful report from a very credible group of people and it may well help to kill us and other efforts," Keith says.
Proponents of air-capture technologies say some of the panel's conclusions are just plain wrong — especially the estimated cost of $600 per ton.
"We have had third party reports, independent people, evaluating our technology, and it's under $50 a ton," Eisenberger says. He hasn't actually demonstrated that cost yet, and he agrees that nobody should take his word for it. But he's stopped arguing with his critics.
"I'm just going to go do it," he says. "And doing it or not — that's the answer."
Pursuing a big idea takes some hard-headedness, and thick skin.
"If they don't tell you you're crazy, you're not doing something worthwhile," Eisenberger says. "Because what you do when you innovate is you disturb the existing order."
Fortunately, this won't be an academic argument forever. "That's the beauty of science. The people that take the time to come into the lab and see it working and do their own evaluation of the cost and the performance, they know it's not crazy."
If the researchers pursuing this technology can really make it inexpensive to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, Eisenberger says it could be a game-changer.
We could start producing fuels with the carbon dioxide that's already in the air, instead of unearthing more fossil fuels. This won't happen quickly, though.
"The energy infrastructure of the world is $55 trillion," Eisenberger says. So a technology to replace that is "not like a new Google app."
Still, human societies have made such transitions before. "They just don't happen in a day," Eisenberger says. "But they happen."
There's certainly no guarantee that capturing carbon dioxide from the air would ever become a big enough enterprise to make a difference to Earth's climate. But it won't even be put to the test unless people like Eisenberger give it a try.
Copyright 2013 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Weeknight dinners: shepherd's pie, grilled cheese, pulled pork
After a weekend out of town and then one thing after another, I didn't even make it to the grocery store until Thursday of this week. By the time Wednesday night rolled around, I was dying to cook something. Somehow I ended up making three photo-worthy dinners by Friday night, so I thought I would … Continue reading


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Today it was raining in Manchester so I turned the wiper on the timer setting. You know the one that only occasionally wipes the windshield. HOwever I drove many miles without it moving once. Other continuous settings work fine.
After switch it on and off many times it did move once but most of the time it didn't budge. I have had the indicator switch go shortcircuit on me. Could this have happened to the wiper switch this time? Is there any basic troubleshooting I can do? I have basic electronics knowledge and a cheapy multimeter which apparently is capable upto 10Amps


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Calefacción (BTUH):
Refrigeración (MBH):
Flujo de aire (CFM):
DOAS Packaged Gas/Electric Unit (6, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 ton)
Packaged High Outside Air Unit, DX Cooling, Space Control, Energy Recovery and Dehumification Options
Packaged Makeup Air Unit, DX Cooling, Electric or Gas Heat, with Energy Recovery and Dehumidification Options
Packaged Rooftop High Efficiency, Space Conditioning Unit, Gas or Electric Heat
Hybrid IAQ Ventilator, patent pending total energy recovery design, enthalpy wheel and modulating heat pump
Packaged Space Conditioning, Heat Pump with Optional Gas Heating Unit
Packaged Space Conditioning (3-5 Ton) Unit (14 SEER) with Option Electric Heat
Packaged Heat Pump (2 - 5 Tons) Unit
Packaged Space Conditioning (2 - 5 Tons) Unit with Optional Gas Heating
Ultra High Efficiency Packaged Air Conditioning (20 SEER) Unit
Packaged High Efficiency (14 SEER) Unit with Optional Gas Heating
High Efficiency Packaged Unit with Option Gas Heating (95% AFUE)
Modulating Capacity, Packaged Cooling, Makeup Air units, R-410A
Modulating Capacity, Packaged Cooling/ Makeup Air units with Dedicated Reheat Pump Dehumidification, R-410A
Modulating DX Cooling Makeup Air System, Packaged Rooftop, Gas Heat, with R410-A Refrigerant
Modulating Capacity, Packaged Cooling/Gas Heating Makeup Air units with Dehumidification, R-410A
Modulating Capacity, Packaged Cooling/Electric Heating, Makeup Air units, R-410A
Modulating Capacity, Packaged Cooling/Electric Heating Makeup Air units, Dedicated Reheat Pump Dehumidification, R-410A
Poder ventilación, Low Static, Ventilador Axial, calentador unitario para el uso de Utilidad Comercial / Industrial / Residencial
Multi-variable, wall mounted, indoor, heat pump unit
2-way cassette type, indoor VRF unit
4-way cassette type, indoor VRF unit
VRF, console type, heat pump indoor unit
Multi-Variable, Low ESP, Duct Heat Pump Unit
Floor/Ceiling Mounted, Indoor Heat Pump, VRF Unit
VRF, Modular, Side Discharge, Outdoor Condensing Units
VRF, Modular, Top Discharge, Outdoor Condensing Units
VRF, Modular, Heat Recovery, Outdoor Condensing Units
Three Phase, Packaged Gas/Electic Units - 6-10 Ton
Three Phase, Packaged Gas/Electric Units - 6-10 Ton
The JS4BD is a condensing unit for outdoor installation, often combined with the Reznor air handler.
High efficiency heat pump, 14 SEER (3 - 5 Ton)
The MASA is a condensing unit for outdoor installation, often combined with the PreevA air handling unit.
Indoor Pre-engineered Air Handler, Hydronic Heat Coil Options
Air Conditioning Condenser (10 Ton)
Air Conditioning Heat Pump Condenser (10 Ton)
Rooftop, Gas Fired, Power Vented Duct Furnace for Commercial/Industrial Use
Heavy Duty Electric Baseboard Heater
Ceiling Recess-Mounted, Electric Heater
Ceiling Surface-Mounted, Electric Heater
Architectural Electric Wall Heater
Commercial, Wall Mounted, Electric Heater
Residential Electric Wall Heater
Wall or Ceiling Mounted Cabinet Electric Heater
Small Natural Gas Fired, High Intensity Infrared Heaters for Indoor Commercial/Industrial Use


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MILWAUKEE - Jeff Niemann and the Tampa Bay Rays are hoping the right-hander can build on this polished performance.
Niemann tossed six scoreless innings in his return from a back injury and the Rays beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 on Monday night in their first-ever appearance at Miller Park.
"To pitch that well really gets you going in the right direction, no question about that. You're always going to have those negative thoughts in the back of your head that you've got to squash somehow," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I'd like to believe what he did tonight is going to bolster his confidence a bit and get him ready for the next outing."
Niemann (2-4) was on the disabled list for 45 days with a strained lower back, but he said it felt fine Monday night and he looked comfortable while using his big curveball to hold the Brewers to four hits while striking out five.
"Everything felt great," Niemann said. "The biggest thing is it's just nice to be back and be in this clubhouse and be a contributing member of the team again. That was the hardest thing while I was down on the DL, they've been playing great and it was good to chip in."
Tampa Bay gave Niemann an early run against Chris Narveson (4-5) and tacked on seven more late, including four in the seventh and Evan Longoria's three-run shot in the eighth.
"They're tough to beat at home," Longoria said. "To get Game 1 out of the way and get a win is a big momentum boost being here and moving forward."
Jonathan Lucroy homered for Milwaukee, which was without left fielder Ryan Braun because of a respiratory infection. The Brewers fell a half-game out of first place in the NL Central, trailing the idle Cardinals.
The Rays have won four straight and 10 of 14, but this one was in doubt until the seventh.
With Tampa Bay clinging to a 1-0 lead, Kelly Shoppach walked, reached second on a sacrifice and scored on pinch-hitter Justin Ruggiano's double.
Narveson got the second out, but Ben Zobrist hit an RBI double and Longoria and B.J. Upton each singled in runs to make it 5-0 as Tampa Bay batted around.
Longoria connected against Mark DiFelice for his sixth homer, making it 8-1. The All-Star third baseman began the day in a 2-for-24 rut that dropped his June batting average to .196.
"After the series I had at home where I hit four or five balls hard right at guys, sometimes you need those to get going," said Longoria, who believed his homer would've been a routine out at Tropicana Field.
Maddon isn't concerned with Longoria's lack of offense.
"He's going to get hot, real hot," Maddon said. "He's a definite grinder. You will never hear an excuse out of his mouth. He holds himself to high standards."
Leading by seven, Maddon let outfielder Sam Fuld, who had entered in the pitcher's spot as a pinch hitter, warm up on the mound before the eighth. Reliever Cesar Ramos then came in and allowed two runs to make it 8-3.
"I wasn't quite sure what the heck I was doing out there," said Fuld, who hasn't pitched in a game since his junior year of high school. "This is like a position player's dream in a lot of ways. I looked up at the radar, I didn't get a reading. I was thinking, just don't get hurt."
Lucroy hit a leadoff homer against J.P. Howell in the seventh and Prince Fielder drove in the final run of the game, hitting a two-out single in the ninth to run his total to 62 RBIs.
Milwaukee remains a majors-best 25-10 at home, but have lost six of eight since sweeping the Cardinals out of first place just over a week ago.
The Brewers started coming unglued in the sixth inning.
Trailing 1-0, Nyjer Morgan was hit by a pitch, but ordered back to the box by plate umpire Bob Davidson. Morgan was incensed and had to be led away from Davidson. He calmed down enough to finish the at-bat, but struck out.
"He said that he threw his elbow out into the pitch," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said.
After Morgan returned to the dugout, both Roenicke and hitting coach Dale Sveum were ejected.
Milwaukee went on to load the bases in the inning on a single and two walks off Niemann, but Mark Kotsay struck out looking and Yuniesky Betancourt popped out to end the threat.
"It was magnificent. He had really good stuff," Maddon said of Niemann's escape. "It was a really, really strong first day back."
NOTES: The only other series between the clubs was at Tropicana Field in 2005. ... Rays RHP Alex Cobb was sent down after Sunday's game to make room for Niemann. ... Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey was not with the team after his home in Florida sustained significant damage in a fire. ... Brewers RHP Shaun Marcum (hip) may miss his next start with lingering soreness.
Longoria delivers 4 RBIs, Rays top Brewers 8-4
MILWAUKEE - Jeff Niemann and the Tampa Bay Rays are hoping the right-hander can build on this polished performance.


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On December 20, 2011, the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China released its first batch of guiding cases (指导性案例). This happened slightly more than a year after the Court issued the Provisions of the Supreme People's Court Concerning Work on Guiding Cases (最高人民法院关于案例指导工作的规定) in November 2010.
The first batch of guiding cases consists of two civil cases and two criminal cases. The China Guiding Cases Project (CGCP), an initiative of Stanford Law School founded by Dr. Mei Gechlik in early 2011 and advised by leading experts including justices from the U.S. Supreme Court and China's Supreme People's Court, is pleased to release its translation of 王志才故意杀人案 (WANG Zhicai, an intentional homicide case) (Guiding Case No. 4) (attached).
About the CGCP
The CGCP aims to advance knowledge and understanding of Chinese law and to enable judges and legal experts both inside and outside of China to contribute to the evolution of Chinese case law through ongoing dialogue on the guiding cases. The CGCP intends to make these cases quickly and easily accessible to English-speaking audiences outside China on its searchable website http://cgc.law.stanford.edu. Visitors to the website will be able to post their thoughts about the cases and commentaries in Chinese and English, while "Question and Answer" sessions will permit readers and commentators to have more in-depth dialogues, again in Chinese and English.
To mark this historical moment in the development of the Chinese legal system, the CGCP will take the following steps this month:
Launch the CGCP website (http://cgc.law.stanford.edu) on Monday, January 9, 2012. Translations of the other three guiding cases will be available then. In addition, Judge JIANG (Michael) Heping, Chief Judge of the First Civil Division of the Dongguan Municipality No. 2 People's Court in Guangdong Province, has contributed to the CGCP a commentary on Guiding Case No. 2. Judge JIANG's court has been identified as a Court for National ADR Initiatives by the Supreme People's Court. The Chinese and English versions of Judge JIANG's commentary will also be posted on the CGCP website.
Hold a public event on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 12:45 – 2 p.m., at Stanford Law School. Dean Larry Kramer will commemorate the official launch of the CGCP and the public release of our official products.
To keep abreast of CGCP announcements and updates, please subscribe to the China Guiding Cases Project mailing list by visiting https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/chinaguidingcasesproject. Just enter your email address in the space provided and then click "Subscribe".
The CGCP Team
Stanford Law School


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Fallen UN peacekeepers have been honoured by Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Prime Minister). On the 9th of July leading civil, military, political and religious figures gathered at Collins Barracks, Dublin to lay a wreath in commemoration of Irish troops who have died in service, including some eighty five soldiers who have given their lives in the name of world peace, while participating in UN peacekeeping missions.
Ireland's contribution to UN peacekeeping began in 1958 with a deployment of officer observers to UNTSO's mission to the Lebanon. This commitment to service continued and expanded during ONUC's exacting mission in the Congo during the early 1960s, where the Irish peacekeepers suffered their largest single loss of life during an ambush in Niemba, which took the lives of nine Irish soldiers. The Irish defence forces continue their long tradition of commitment to UN peacekeeping today, serving on nine separate missions.
The President's laying of the wreath was followed by a minute's silence and a gun salute, all to honour the peacekeepers that Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, has described as being integral to bringing "pride, praise and prominence to the defence forces and to Ireland".
Useful links:
Irish Mission to the United Nations
Official website of the Irish Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
The United Nations Training School for Ireland is the focal point of the Defence forces effort to standardise preparation for Peace Support Operations.
Irish United Nations Veterans Association's primary role is providing advice and counselling to members and their families who have been affected by their overseas service as veterans of U.N. operations world-wide.
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485


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Zoonibo is excited to bring you this very limited edition beautiful handcrafted vegan tote from Baxter Designs. The stunning modern chic look of a Cut Velvet exterior is complemented by a 100% silk interior makes this a bag that turns heads as well as being beautifully ethically handmade. These peices are very limited and unique - We currently only have 3 available.
Based in Saint Augustine, Florida, Baxter Designs have created a beautiful and very limited edition line of ethically made handbags. These vegan totes were made famous when in 2014 Baxter Designs designed and produced silk spa bags especially for Michelle Obama to be given to the leaders of the African summit in August 2014.
We process your order within 24 hours, 7 days a week as we know that once you have bought an item you can't wait to receive it. We ask you to allow 7 days for products to arrive, however delivery is often sooner than this. You can check the status of your purchase with the tracking numbers provided within the website. Please contact our customer services team, if you have any queries that this online information doesn't clarify for you and we will be glad to help.
We will notify you once we receive your order by email. Once we have accepted your order we will send you a second communication on dispatch. Acceptance of all orders is subject to fraud checks and we reserve the right to cancel any order which fails these checks. If there is further information or clarification around an order we will contact you to resolve the issue together.
We have warehouses in Europe and the US, and it is sometimes possible upon ordering multiple items that they will arrive in separate packages and have separate tracking numbers. If you are unsure if this is relevant to you please contact our Customer Service Team and we will endeavour to help you.
We ship to countries outside of the European Union on a DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) format. Please contact your local customs office to discuss whether charges are applicable for the items you are receiving before placing an order with us. Should customs contact you to receive information for any held products, they will inform you of the information they need from you to release the order. Please be aware of the possibility of shipping delays due to weather or customs issues
Please contact us on firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any questions relating to shipping to a particular country or further information about or shipping and delivery.
Many thanks for shopping with us,
The Zoonibo Team
You might also be interested in:
This guide is designed to help you choose the right bag size and bag type for your next ethical bag. From Totes to Hobos to Clutches - we have you covered with our style and size guides (including infographics).
Below is a visual representation of the different types of handbag models that are commonly available from most bag designers. Bag Types differ between designers and often overlap, for example, some use Totes for Shoppers, some use Clutch for Evening Bag, etc. For this reason we group the bags into the following categories on this store.
Great for the everyday and for women on the go, the Tote, Shoppers or Satchel are usually the centrepiece bag of most women's lives, especially for those living in the city who don't have the luxury of keeping everything in their cars and need to carry a little extra with them on the tube or in a cab.
The large and spacious nature of the Tote Bag enables you to grab what you need, throw it in your trusty tote and leave worry behind that you have left something at home when you might need it with you.
The Tote bag is often used synonymously with the Shopper. And for this reason we combine these two popular categories into one Collection - Our Ethical Totes Collection.
Clutches and Evening bags - we love them. They scream chic and the promise of a great night out. Why are they so often used interchangeably?
Well, traditionally the Clutch bag is a subset of the Evening bag, a bag that would be usually only used in the evening. However clutches have become increasingly popular for women in business to carry an Ipad and other essentials, which in years past would have probably been tucked into a Filofax. (If you don't know what a filofax is, good for you - ask your mum!). The clutch has no shoulder straps and therefore is held (or clutched) in the hand. The evening bag styling is usually combined with a very thin or delicate strap as to not detract from the ladies outfit. These may be worn lightly over the shoulder or the strap unused and carried like a clutch.
If you need any further help with any of the guides, get in touch with us and we'll do our best to help you out - https://zoonibo.com/pages/contact-us


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We do the most for our clients and provide the absolute best service in Lynchburg, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake and the New River Valley. We realize that or clients are our business, our future, our lives, and we care. We are not here to sell you a home, we are here to serve. In serving you, we know that our needs will be met. We know that a home is not a home until or clients make it their home. It is our desire to make that process the easiest, most exciting, pain free, experience possible by treating you honestly, ethically, while exhibiting extreme competence and knowledge. We want you to know and trust that we care, not through our words, but through our service and friendship. Each member of DGA realizes that our clients are our business...our future...our lives...We sincerely care and never forget that it is a privilege to work with each client that trusts us with their part of the American Dream.
As a part of the services we offer, we invite you to use this Home Search Site at your leisure, fre any obligation. We welcome you to reach out to us for any guidance or questions.
Quick Searches
What Our Clients Are Saying
Brad (Client)
Damon and his team did an incredible job helping me find my dream home. Even though my home is modest, it is home to me and it did not matter to Damon or his team of professionals. Joel Balsley, the lender was incredible and forthright to deal with. The home inspector was thorough and Heather with Temple Law Geoup made sure we closed on time.
Jay (Client)
I purchased my house when I moved to this area through Damon Gettier. He went above and beyond what any standard realtor would have done. He made sure I got a good deal and was comfortable with the entire transaction. A few years later he sold that house for me. He not only sold my home in 30 hours ( yea, you read that right) he negotiated a full price offer! I really can't be more pleased with Damon and would recommend him for any and all real estate needs.
While I did not work with Damon, our house was listed and sold by one of his associates, Bruce Hill. To say that Bruce did a great job would be an understatement. As with the sale of any home, there were hiccups along the way and Bruce was efficient at working each one of them out in a very prompt manner. If I called Bruce and had to leave a message, he always and very promptly returned my phone call, even on weekends and after business hours. Bruce was very effective at negotiating a sale price that was appropriate and very fair, so that my sisters and I received the maximum amount of proceeds. I can only hope that others who are looking to sale their homes have the good fortune of working with Bruce, he made the difficult task of selling our childhood home one that was simple and easy. Highly recommended!Jess (Client)
Kristine (Client)
I first met Damon about 4 years ago when he helped my husband and I find our current home. He was extremely professional, very knowledgeable of the business and of the Roanoke Valley, he did not pressure us into spending more money than we were able to and he made sure that we were protected during the process. Now 4 years later we are selling our same home because we are relocating for a new job and Damon is once again our realtor. He priced our home at the right price, took amazing pictures of our home, and advertized it very well. Our home sold in less than 30 hours!!! We are extremely grateful to Damon and so lucky to have been able to work with him. If you are looking to buy or sell a home I highly recommend Damon and his team!
Malaina (Client)
Damon sold my house the first time in 18 hours! That is unheard of in this market. The buyer's financing fell through at the last minute and as soon as he got word it was back on the market. The second time it took 4 days to sell. That is unheard of in this market! He is completely honest and up front and is a master negotiator. I wouldn't have anyone else for my real estate needs!


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Founded in 1981, Gate 1 has become a leading river cruise company. The company takes pride in providing superb experiences, and its cruise managers and guides are carefully selected for their enthusiasm, expertise and professional service.
The company designs comprehensive river cruise itineraries that ensure travelers see the most celebrated sites. Focused on value, Gate 1 keeps prices down while preserving the convenience and hassle-free feeling that make inclusive vacations attractive.
River cruise Lines


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Off Target: Target scares off a guest
For all you upscale shoppers out there, add this to your list of Why It'll Be Cool When Target Comes to Town: They call customers "guests." The concept is so elegant, I half expect to see shopping carts encrusted with rhinestones.
But wait a minute. If they plan on calling me their guest, I expect to be treated like one. And judging by Courteney Stuart's recent experience at the Target in Short Pump, that's not guaranteed.
If Stuart's name sounds familiar, it's because she's the Hook senior editor who had the unfortunate experience at the Washington Park Pool in early June ["Plop, plop: Pool poop spoils outing," July 11, 2002]. Now her summer's been further sullied by a recent trip to Target, where she wrestled two kids' dressers and some maternity clothes up to the checkout line and wrote a check for the total, which was over $200. As she later emailed me, the cashier put her check through the register, then studied the receipt that came out.
"In what seemed like an incredibly loud voice, he said, 'I'm sorry, but we can't take your check. Do you have another method of payment?'" Stuart reports.
That's gotta be embarrassing. "Everyone is looking at you," Stuart says. "It would seem that you have some problem with writing bad checks." She quickly paid with her debit card and then called the number for the check-screening company, Certegy, which was listed on the receipt.
The Certegy employee reviewed the transaction and told her there was nothing wrong with her check; it simply "did not meet the criteria Certegy uses to screen checks." Stuart asked if he could tell her the criteria, so that she could avoid the same situation in the future.
"No," she claims he replied, "because then if you wanted to write a bad check you'd know what we are looking for." Stuart theorizes that two factors were against her: The check was for a large amount, and she'd never written a check at Target before. But why leave her to spin theories instead of offering answers?
According to Claude in Certegy's Customer Care Department, the reasons aren't always apparent even to Certegy employees because of the way their computers are programmed. Still, if Stuart's account of the phone call is correct, the system seems needlessly frustrating for the consumer.
Certegy, perhaps due to the nature of its business, seems to thrive on secrecy. For instance, the website offers only an email address for inquiries from the press, so I dutifully emailed a summary of Stuart's experience and then asked why Certegy doesn't post its criteria so that consumers will be free to choose whether they want to pay by check. After a couple of hours with no response, I called Certegy's Customer Care Department and spoke with Claude (who, naturally, refused to divulge his last name).
Claude was firmly convinced that I was trying to get details about Stuart's rejected check that they could release only to her. After we went in circles so many times I was dizzy, I began trying to get a phone number for public relations. Instead, he offered (about 13 times) Certegy's street address then hung up on me.
The media-relations person, incidentally, did respond, with a very reasonable overview of the kinds of factors check screeners have to consider, not all of which are obvious e.g., the specific store's loss history.
I can understand that Target needs to guard against bad checks, and that a check is not a guaranteed form of payment (unlike a credit or debit card). I also understand why Certegy has sophisticated software that considers a variety of factors, some difficult to pin down, before accepting or rejecting a check.
Here's what I don't understand: why Target wouldn't train its cashiers in graceful responses such as, "It doesn't mean your check is bad; if you're not in Certegy's system, and you write a large check, they'll turn it down." In my opinion, that would have been a simple way to avoid embarrassing a "guest."
We'll never know why Target doesn't do that; its Media Relations department declined to return my call. What do you suppose they call reporters persona non grata?
Do you have a consumer problem or question? Email the Fearless Consumer, write her at 100 Second Street NW, 22902, or call 295-8700 ext. 406.


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On day three of our trip we headed out to Elk River.
First stop was Huckleberry Heaven. They have some yummy huckleberry ice cream so we all grabbed a cone.
We drove around for awhile and found a great spot to play around and have a picnic. Chris had a great time playing with John and Brian.
We were pretty lucky to have gone up on one of the two coolest weekends Elk River has. One is the boat races, the other is their 'Elk River Days.' We were able to see people gearing up their race boats for the next day. It was a lot of fun to see how fast they could go.
We had a fun scenic drive home. I enjoyed every minute of seeing Idaho in all it's glory. . . Chris on the other hand fell asleep. Later that day Chris took some pictures of my brother's family. You may have seen them on his photography blog.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Idaho Trip | Day Three
On day three of our trip we headed out to Elk River.
Posted by Johnna Jayne at 9:20 PM
4 comments:
- tamiz said...
Cute new background! Now I'm gonna steal the cherries! Any chance you want to throw our pic on the header and email it to me? I really tried. I just don't have the programs.
- May 29, 2009 at 6:37 AM
- tamiz said...
Nevermind about the header. I don't think I'll hang on to the cherries for long. Little to femmie for a family of boys. I've got some news, call me when you get a sec.
- May 29, 2009 at 6:44 AM
- Dorese @ Dorese's Pieces said...
I LOVE Huckleberry Heaven! They have the BEST ice cream! And I miss Elk River... you just take areas like that for granted until you live in a dessert, huh?
- May 29, 2009 at 8:36 AM
- jmelgan said...
Looks like you guys had a great visit. I will have to check out the huckleberry heaven place the next time we go to Elk River. I love it there.
- May 29, 2009 at 1:50 PM


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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
During a particularly horrible July a long time ago, I attended some specialized military training in Georgia.
One morning, as the maniacal first sergeant prowled our exhausted ranks, he suddenly stopped in front of the only other Mormon in the platoon.
"Smith!" he bellowed. "Why the #%@! are you wearing two T-shirts!"
I don't recall the exact explanation, but thereafter Smith was known in the platoon as "Two T-Shirt" even though he finally quit wearing one of them.
It was my first exposure to the non-Mormon struggle with the concept of LDS temple garments an attitude I came to understand ranged from complete ignorance to open contempt.
Garments are a sacred subject among Mormons, or at least they're supposed to be. We're counseled to take the matter so seriously that we shouldn't even mention them in public. Some of us do a better job of that than others.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics, I was interviewed by a French news crew interested in finding out more about "les Mormons." The woman conducting the interview point blank asked me about "ze garments."
No one had been willing to show her a pair of Mormon garments. Would I, a fellow journalist, be so kind?
I told her on camera (and partly in jest) that I would be happy to show her my underwear if she showed me hers first.
This is not the kind of dare you want to make with a woman from France. The interviewer shrugged, put down her microphone and began unbuttoning her blouse.
My wife, who was waiting just off camera, mercifully put a stop to it.
Mormons need be realistic about garments and the world. Most people who know us, know about us or think they know us are well aware of our two-T-shirt thing. Garments are not a secret anymore. They never really were.
Today, you can look them up on the Internet, see them peeking out from under regular clothing, find them left behind in Laundromats and even spot them hanging on clotheslines.
Here's another secret they aren't sacred, either. Not to 99 percent of the rest of the world, they aren't. Furthermore, you can't make them sacred by pitching a snit whenever people don't treat them the way you think they should.
Garments are receiving even more exposure now that a serious contender for president is wearing them. You'll see temple garments on TV, billboards, talk shows and even waved about by the maturely challenged at General Conference.
Get used to it. There's a price you have to pay if you want to play with the big kids. That price is that not everyone will take you as seriously as you would like. In fact, the more seriously you want to be taken, the less it will happen.
We used to be able to control the sacred stuff about us that other people might find strange or even crazy. That control was a main reason for coming to Utah.
The isolation lasted until the mining boom, when thousands of non-Mormons showed up and didn't care that we thought we were extra-special. Then came the Internet, and now there isn't a skirt in the world that hasn't been peeked up.
Every major religion will tell you that along with world renown comes insensitive attention. And nobody cares if you get all whiny about it. In fact, a lot of them like that part even better. It's going to get worse before it gets better.
Actually, it won't ever get better. Ask Catholics, Jews, Wiccans and American Indians, who have the sacred elements of their faiths routinely spoofed on comedy shows.
"Saturday Night Live" and other programs have yet to feature sketches with actors dressed in Mormon temple clothes.
Get ready.
Robert Kirby can be reached at email@example.com or facebook.com/stillnotpatbagley.


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Friday, June 24, 2011
Happy Anniversary, Molly!
Her love of scarves is well known and she has quite a selection stashed in various lagoons. She's a great pal to adult dolphins and youngsters alike. We're so glad that here at DRC she's found her forever home!
Love you, Molly-Moo.
Posted by The DRC Family at 9:01 AM
2 comments:
- LiaH said...
Molly! I'm going to see you soon, I can't wait! Happy Anniversary Molly-Moose!
- June 25, 2011 at 11:15 AM
- Annah said...
Go Molly! Glad you're at DRC!
- July 3, 2011 at 10:33 AM


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In case you are travelling to any place the first thing that one looks for is a Four Star Hotel, which should provide you all the basic amenities if not the luxury ones. You will find plenty of Four Star Hotel in Alwar, of all categories, like the Deluxe, first class, economy, budget ones, luxury types, five star properties as well even seven start Four Star Hotel in Alwar.Most of these Four Star Hotel in Alwar offer online booking where you can very conveniently make your travel reservations on the Internet. Please do make sure that you carry some identification proof while travelling as most of these Four Star Hotel in Alwar would require you to provide a photocopy of your Identity card.
The Four Star Hotel provide facilities like Hot and cold water, geyser, Television, CCTV camera and electric kettle is also provided in most of the Four Star Hotel in Alwar. You could either pay by cash or credit and or debit cards. The food available in Four Star Hotel is mostly multi cuisine as people from all over the world visit the capital and the Four Star Hotel in Alwar understand that each person has a different taste. All the good Four Star Hotel generally provide you free pick u and drop services from the railways station of from the Airports. If you wish to sightsee the place these Four Star Hotel in Alwar generally are in touch with the travel and tour groups and arrange for their guide to come and take you and show you the city, at a very nominal price. The reservation desk at the Four Star Hotel also advise you about the places you could visit and which all place should you visit. Any Four Star Hotel in Alwar that you visit will surely make you feel very comfortable and at home and needless to say will try and make your stay as comfortable as ever.
The Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be a very well known natural spot located close to the city of Jodhpur. This sanctuary is located o Read More
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Fort Rajwada is situated at Indira Colony, Jaisalmer. This is a modern place built according to the ancient Indian design principles of Vaas Read More
Ranthambore National Park is a world wide life Sanctuary; it is located in Sawai Madhopur City in the State of Rajasthan and was established in the ye Read More
Sawai Madhopur
The popular tourist destination "Jodhpur" is located in state of Rajasthan. Glowing decorated houses in blue color around the famous Read More
Jaipur the Capital of Rajasthan, is a city surrounded by Forts, Museums and Gardens."City Palace Museum" is among one of the most adored p Read More
Udaipur is measured among the most pleasing city of Rajasthan. It is known as the "White City" surrounded with Forts, Museums, Monuments a Read More
Bundi is a beautiful tourist destination surrounded by the Aravali Hills from the three sides and famous for the historical monuments, fauna, dams, po Read More
Bikaner; the beautiful royal city in the desert of Rajasthan is a delight to watch. Bikaner offers beautiful palaces, forts and temples with the amazi Read More
Surrounded by the Arravali hills, Alwar is also known as "The Gateway to Rajasthan". Alwar is a beautiful city with so many traditions and Read More
Bhilwara is a beautiful town situated in the Mewar of Rajasthan. Rich with the cultural heritage, Bhilwara offers ancient temples, forts, beautiful wa Read More
Dugari is situated in rajasthan. with in the imposing fort of Dugan is a Rama Mandir which has 200 years old wall paintings. Read More
In the middle of a placid artificial lake, broken up by is lets. A temple of Varuna (Aryan God of the wind) Shimmers blue under the ceaseless vigil of Read More
Bharatpur, also known as Lohagarh is located in Rajasthan. Bharatpur is famous for the migrated birds during winter. Bharatpur is also famous for the Read More
Ajmer the legendary holy place of Muslims and Hindus is located in Rajasthan. It is a mixture of Mughals, Rajputs and Delhi Sultanate culture. Ajmer i Read More
Hawa Mahal is a world-famous edifice, Jaipur can be identified with. Hawa Mahal is a five-storey architectural wonder, built with pink sandstone in th Read More
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|The neighbors are already asking when they will receive their traditional gift of pure spun creamed honey that we shipped from Marc's family's Meyer Honey Farm in South Dakota.
It's silky sweet perfection in a tub.
|Round two.
|This year I let the girls help with their teachers' crayon wreaths.
I'm glad I relinquished absolute control over this project because 1) it saved some serious time having their help, and 2) we had fun doing it together.
I did the hanging ribbons, though...
Remember last year's wreath odyssey? Good golly.
|And, of course, the annual Wright Dynasty Christmas Caroling Extravaganza.
|Do these darling grandparents look amused, or ready to employ their tasers?
you decide.


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Countless people are victimized every year around the world by international scammers claiming to have access to fortunes through banks, royal families, business partners, deceased loved ones and more. Some clever crusaders, however, are fighting back in kind and hilariousy scamming the scammers. In some cases this ties up the scammers' time with useless tasks and in other cases the result are downright hilarious, like a scammer baited into carving a Commodore 64 keyboard replica from wood. This sampling of scambusts is just a starting point and these are often quite involved and long, going back and forth for weeks, so read the descriptions and click the links if you want to read more!
Scammer Shoots for MacBook, Gets Nightmare Computer
The nutshell: what started as a genuine attempt to sell a laptop resulted in a buyer (scammer) trying to get a free laptop and paying hundreds for a joke/junk one. The original laptop buyer realized right after his purchase he didn't need the computer and attempted to resell it on eBay. The first responder was someone from the UK who asked about international shipping and the use of a seemingly sketchy Escrow service. The seller realized a scam may be in the works and kept the scammer on the hook. Eventually the scammer ended up paying fees in order to receive a package containing the hilariously junked "computer" shown above. He proceeded to send viruses and otherwise attack the seller but it didn't stop his humiliating story from going public!
Scammer Shoots for $150,000, Gets Scambait Tattoo
The nutshell: a fake pastor from Nigeria tries to con a stranger out of money only to end up with a horrific tattoo instead. In a supposed bid for financial assistance to help Pakistani earthquake survivors this scammer tried to trick the wrong individual. The scambusters write back that he could have up to $150,000 if only he were a member of the church. The scammer bites, of course, and is told that he'll simply have to get a tattoo showing his devotion to the church. Sure enough, he gets the tattoo and sends pictures! At this point things get strange: the scambusters fake being another scammer who has hacked into the good church's email system. They finally get the scammer to "work for them" and admit what he is doing. Before it is finished, the scambusters have the name and address of the scammer and leave him waiting (forever) for his funds).
Scammer Shoots for Political Funds, Gets H.P. Lovecraft
The nutshell: a Nigerian scammer poses as a political candidate seeking funds toward his election, while the scambuster's responses grow ever more creepy, surreal and insane. The scammer and scambuster begin discussing a transfer of money when the scambuster begins unraveling a tale that includes the discovery of a secret, ancient and still-active cult. While the scammer is asking him to send his passport, the scambuster continues with his story and cites furtive cult meetings and raises the possibility he is being followed. While the scammer pushes him to send some money via Western Union, he replies that a friend has died in mysterious circumstances while researching the cult. Eventually the scammer starts warning him to be careful, and even gets into the game: warning him what to do to play it safe and what to do with secret society objects he has accumulated. Then the hammer drops and the scambuster goes crazy before switching emails and sending the scammer information about the mysterious disappearance of the scambuster. The final response? The tables have turn and the insanity has spread as the scammer flips his lid and types – all typos and caps – a deranged warning to leave him alone.
Scammer Wants Help Recovering Fortune, Gets Murder Plot
Nutshell: Mrs Marie Jeanne Keita, formerly of Saudi Arabia, now in Cote D'Ivoire, is supposedly dying of cancer and wants assistance in getting her late husband's fortune – and winds up in a conversation with multiple personalities and faux-deadly consequences. The supposed money is secured in a "matalic" box at a security company, out of Africa and use it to fund orphanages and such. She also wants help taking care of and raising her son. New York ad executive Pete Moss has no time for Mrs. Keita's problems unless of course she can help him solve some of his own – which she does. Adult movie producer, Dick Wadd and his sales manager, Hugh Jass, eventually get in on the act and when Mr. Moss is brutally murdered by British hit-men, Mike Rotch steps in, but only to try to steer him back to Mr. Wadd. In the end? The nice old lady sends photos of potential male models to be part of his non-existent pornographic films.
Scammer Wants to Transfer Funds, Gets Hilarious Web of Lies
Nutshell: This one is too funny to even try to explain. In short: you should read it. This scammer stays on the line despite the scambusters repeated requests for him to use absurd code names, repeated abuse, bizarre requests for photographs, strange attached photographs sent to him and so on. Biblical quotes, sex references and nonsensical truisms are only the beginning. The Ebola Monkey Man starts out slow but once he takes the gloves off this is a no-holds-barred death match well worth checking out. Check here more scambaiting links and resources and this book if you are worried about getting scammed.


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Tom Cruise's legal war against Bauer Media is raging on.
The "Oblivion" star's $50 million defamation case against the publisher stems from two stories printed in October 2012, which claimed that Cruise chose Scientology over his daughter Suri Cruise, following his split from ex-wife Katie Holmes.
In Cruise's deposition, obtained by E! News, the actor not only addressed those issues, but Holmes' involvement with the church and more.
U.S. & World
Take a look at the seven most surprising revelations uncovered from the document.
PHOTOS: Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise sightsee in South Africa after Tom Cruise slams Suri abandonment reports
1. Holmes practiced Scientology before and during her marriage to Cruise. But, according to the movie star, she ended her relationship with the church when they divorced. Cruise said he found it offensive when he was asked if Holmes left him to protect Suri from Scientology, adding, "there is no need to protect my daughter from religion."
2. Since Katie left the Church of Scientology, Tom said she has had no contact with Cruise's other two children, Connor and Isabella.
3. Suri appears to no longer be affiliated with the church either. Cruise also said it showed a lack of "respect and understanding for my religion," when he was asked if Suri still "practiced" Scientology, adding that a 7-year-old child's involvement in Scientology is different than that of an adult who "studies, learns and applies their knowledge" of the religion.
NEWS: Tom Cruise calls Suri abandonment stories "Disgusting"
4. Tom only saw Suri for about 10 days between June 18 and Thanksgiving in 2012. He attributed that to a "very brutal" schedule for a film he was shooting at the time in London--the upcoming thriller "All You Need Is Kill."
5. The actor only flies private planes for the most part. In the deposition, Tom said he has only flown commercially once in the last three or four years, when he took a trip from Dubai to Los Angeles. Even with private flights though, Cruise said it was "impossible" for him to fly to see his daughter in New York at that time.
6. Rather than Skype or Facetime when he is away, Suri and Tom talk over the phone. The actor admitted that wasn't a better subsitute than being with his daughter in person, but was something he has tried to perfect. "You have to work at it," Cruise said. "I've gotten very good at it. I tell wonderful stories and they like hearing it. I also find that, you know, Suri is a very happy child, and confident, and has a good sense of herself."
7. Tom shot back when lawyers tried to make comparisons between his parenting and that of his absentee father, saying, "My father didn't pay money. He didn't call." He added, "The fact that you would suggest that I was being like my father, it's the same thing my father did, and suggesting that that's something that I'm doing in terms of abandoning my children, I find that greatly offensive... My parents were divorced and I didn't see him."


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July 1, 1998
"There was some criticism that I made NASA look dumb in certain places. In fact if you heard some of these asteroid theories of what they are thinking of doing, it just sounds asinine." –Michael Bay
ARMAGEDDON is Michael Bay's third movie, but in some sense it's the one where he revealed his true face to the world. There were plenty of examples of his style and character in BAD BOYS and THE ROCK, but it was ARMAGEDDON that first presented the full breadth of his trademarks: awesome awesome macho bros, pretty pretty sunsets, government employees portrayed as insufferable weiners even though they're in the right, spinning cameras, haphazard editing all over the fucking place, chaotic mish-mashes of explosions and sparks and machinery and debris and smoke and crap, beautiful shots of people in various locations around the world, weirdly hateful characters presented as cutesy comic relief, an army of highly qualified writers seemingly locked in a cage and forced to duct tape a bunch of dumb ideas into the most unwieldy structure they can come up with that has a running time at least 30 minutes longer than the story has earned, and of course an ensemble of talented actors improvising jokes with no regard for any sort of desired rhythm or tone of storytelling. (read the rest of this shit…)
VERN has been reviewing movies since 1999 and is the author of the books SEAGALOGY: A STUDY OF THE ASS-KICKING FILMS OF STEVEN SEAGAL, YIPPEE KI-YAY MOVIEGOER!: WRITINGS ON BRUCE WILLIS, BADASS CINEMA AND OTHER IMPORTANT TOPICS and NIKETOWN: A NOVEL. His horror-action novel WORM ON A HOOK will arrive later this year.


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He looked patient, or was it sad? Definitely lonely.
Short white fur ran down the center of his head and spread out over his muzzle and down his solid little chest. Black fur surrounded his brown eyes and spread out over the rest of his body. My first thought was, "Cow — he looks like a dairy cow."
A cute dairy cow. Dark skin formed the shape of a heart around his nose. His white-tipped tail wagged furiously across the cement floor of the kennel.
"Let's ask to see him," I said, turning to my boyfriend Derek. If I'd been a cartoon character, my eyes would probably have had hearts in place of pupils.
"I think I read about him online — and he doesn't do well with cats," Derek said apologetically. (I own two beloved cats.)
"Well, lets at least ask them," I said, unflappable and already headed for the Bangor Humane Society's front desk.
Half an hour later, we walked out the door with Oreo, a young pit bull mix. His tail was still wagging.
A detailed report from Oreo's former foster family assured us this he acted fine with cats, that he was a good boy, and he was housebroken.
"Oreo" — let's say it wasn't my favorite name. I wouldn't name my pet after a cookie or any other type of food. I named pets after super heroes (my cat "The Green Arrow") or famous animals (my late dog "Laika," after the Soviet space dog that became the first animal to orbit Earth). But when the nice lady helping us with the paperwork asked me if I wanted to name Oreo something else, the only word that came to mind was "cow." So I let it lie. Besides, at 7 months old, Oreo knew his name pretty well already. I didn't want to confuse him.
When we let him off the leash in our fenced-in backyard, he sniffed and explored slowly. It was May 9, 2013, and he was instantly drawn to the fragrant lilac bush at the center of the yard. But when Derek and I walked inside to cook dinner, Oreo followed and didn't let us out of his sight.
Something had changed in his demeanor over the course of the evening. He started to look us in the eyes, which he hadn't done at first.
When we sat down at the kitchen table, he put his front paws on my lap, then slowly shifted forward and lifted a back foot. He was trying to crawl all the way up. I couldn't resist. Scooping an arm under his butt, I helped him up onto my lap, where he sat, looking quite pleased — all 45 pounds of him.
Later that evening, after the sun went down, Oreo snuggled with us on the couch as we watched TV.
An average dog has the mental abilities of a 2-year-old child, according to a 2011 study out of the University of Florida. The study included a language development test that revealed that an average dog can learn 165 words (similar to a 2-year-old child), including signals and gestures. So I guess it's not crazy to wonder if Oreo understood that we were his new family by the time he fell asleep in his dog bed that night. Or maybe he just thought we were friendly people who mysteriously possessed a vast quantity of yummy treats.
Even if he didn't figure it out the first night, now more than two months later, Oreo knows that he's with us to stay.
Since that day in May, Oreo and I have been through some adventures, mostly outdoor adventures, and we've both learned a lot along the way. Because of Oreo, I've got a lot of new stories to tell, a few soapboxes to stand on, and a new curiosity about things like the contents of dog ice cream, the safety of bacon-flavored chew toys and pet rules at local parks.
So without further ado, I introduce "Let the Dog Out," a new BDN Outdoors series about dogs in the outdoors. I have a whole list of topics to write about — from locally baked doggy snacks to learning to run with your dog on a leash — and I especially welcome questions, comments and suggestions from readers.


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April 30, 1991: Drought Cartoon. The Los Angeles Times has published cartoons over more than 100 years that depict the many droughts that California has suffered and the reactions to them. Here is one that I think you will enjoy.
April 30, 1847: William Ripley Nichols is born."William Ripley Nichols (April 30, 1847 – July 14, 1886) was a noted American chemist [only 39 years old at his death]. Nichols was born in Boston, Massachusetts, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1869, and served there as instructor and assistant professor until 1872, when he was elected professor of general chemistry, which chair he retained until his death in Hamburg, Germany. Professor Nichols was recognized as an authority on sanitation, and particularly on water purification, published numerous papers on municipal water supplies, and was active in the pioneering work of the Lawrence Experiment Station. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of which he was Vice President in 1885, and of the German Chemical Society."
Nichols was also a mentor to Ellen Swallow Richardsat MIT. "In 1887, the laboratory, directed by Thomas Messinger Drown, conducted a study under Richards of water quality in Massachusetts for the Massachusetts State Board of Health involving over 20,000 samples, the first such study in America. Her data was used to find causes of pollution and improper sewage disposal. As a result, Massachusetts established the first water-quality standards in America and its first modern sewage treatment plant at Lowell, Massachusetts."